Thursday February 22, 2018 was a normal day until I got to school. As I walked in the doors I was greeted by a line of people waiting to get their bags searched by school administration and police officers. There was no explanation given to students at the time. It was only after students proceeded to investigate that they realized we were all being searched because of a potential threat against Superior High School.

I am disappointed at the failure of school officials to notify students of this potential threat against our safety. Students and their parents have the right to know when a threat of violence is made against the school where their children are going to spend seven to eight hours of their day. It is incomprehensible to me that administration did not take the time to make a call to students’ homes to inform us of this threat. They clearly had the time to set up bag checks and call in police for support, why did they not take the time to make a call.

In light of the shooting in Parkland, Florida, I understand the need for bag checks and I understand taking extra precautions so as to preserve the safety of students. What I fail to understand is why the biggest precaution – a simple phone call – was not taken. Administration has taken this precaution in the past, allowing students to make decisions on their safety. It is crucial going forward that it be mandated that this step be taken so as students and parents both have the ability to make an informed decision on how to act when a threat of violence is made.

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